Connection systems and methods for utility meters

ABSTRACT

A connection system for allowing access to a primary power signal flowing through a utility meter. The connection system comprises a collar assembly, an adapter assembly, and adapter electronics. The collar assembly comprises a collar housing, main terminals, and secondary terminals. In one embodiment, a guide system guides the adapter assembly through an adapter opening in a collar housing and into an engaged position. In another embodiment, each secondary terminal comprises a distal portion, the secondary terminals are arranged in pairs such that distal portions thereof oppose each other, and the secondary terminals are deformable such that the distal portions may move away from each other.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/863,121 filedJun. 7, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,920 which claims priority of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/476,479 filed Jun. 6, 2003.The contents of all related applications listed above are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for connecting toutility meters and, more specifically, to such systems and methods thatallow an electrical connection to be established on either the utilityside or the user side of a utility power meter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrical power distribution systems have long used power meterassemblies located at a subscriber's residence to measure the amount ofpower consumed at the residence. A power meter assembly comprises a wallbox and a meter assembly. The wall box is permanently attached to astructural surface at the residence, and the meter assembly is securedto the wall box. The wall box is electrically connected to the powermains within the residence.

The wall box comprises a set of terminals, and the meter assemblycomprises prongs that are sized and dimensioned to be received by thewall box terminals when the meter assembly is secured to the wall box.Electrical power supplied to the residence by the utility thus flowsthrough the meter assembly.

During normal use, the collar assembly is sealed to prevent tamperingwith the meter assembly. To obtain power from the outside of theresidence, a utility service technician must remove the meter assembly,thereby disconnecting power to the residence. The need exists forconnection systems and methods for utility meters that allow access tothe utility power circuit at the meter assembly without removing themeter assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a connection system for allowing access to aprimary power signal flowing through a utility meter. The connectionsystem comprises a collar assembly, an adapter assembly, and adapterelectronics. The collar assembly comprises a collar housing, mainterminals, and secondary terminals. In one embodiment, a guide systemguides the adapter assembly through an adapter opening in a collarhousing and into an engaged position. In another embodiment, eachsecondary terminal comprises a distal portion, the secondary terminalsare arranged in pairs such that distal portions thereof oppose eachother, and the secondary terminals are deformable such that the distalportions may move away from each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connection system of the presentinvention being used to connect a meter assembly to a wall box;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adapter assembly, collar assembly,and lock ring of the connection system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation exploded view depicting the connectionsystem, meter assembly, and wall box of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict the adapter assembly in an engaged position andpre-engaged position, respectively, with respect to the collar assembly;

FIG. 6 is a cutaway view taken along lines 6—6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial, side elevation, cut-away view depicting theconnection of the meter assembly and adapter assembly to the collarassembly;

FIGS. 9–19 are block diagrams depicting example environments in whichthe meter connection system of FIG. 1 may be used;

FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a meterconnection system of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the meter connection system of FIG.20;

FIG. 22 is a bottom section view of the meter connection system of FIG.20;

FIG. 23 is a detail section view of the area identified by referencecharacter B in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a detail section view of the area identified by referencecharacter C in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the meter connection system of FIG. 20attached to a wall box;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the meter connection system of FIG. 20;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the meter connection system of FIG. 20attached to a wall box;

FIG. 28 is a front elevation view of yet another embodiment of a meterconnection system of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view of the meter connection system of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an adapter housing of the meterconnection system of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a somewhat schematic front elevation view of the adapterassembly of the meter connection system of FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 is a close up of a portion of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33A is a front elevation view of the meter connection system ofFIG. 28 illustrating a first wire assembly configuration;

FIG. 33B is a front elevation view of the meter connection system ofFIG. 28 illustrating a second wire assembly configuration; and

FIG. 33C is a front elevation view of the meter connection system ofFIG. 28 illustrating a third wire assembly configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1 of the drawing, depicted therein is ameter connection system 10 constructed in accordance with, andembodying, the principles of the present invention. The meter connectionsystem 10 comprises an adapter assembly 12, a collar assembly 14, and anoptional lock ring 16.

The meter connection system 10 is of particular significance when usedwith a wall box 20 secured to an exterior surface 22 of a buildingserved by a utility company. As is conventional, the wall box 20establishes a connection point between the utility power distributionsystem and the user power system within the building defining theexterior surface 22. The utility company typically connects a meterassembly 24 to the wall box 20 to measure power consumption by the user.

The utility company usually has access to the wall box 20 and meterassembly 24 but not necessarily to the interior of the building definingthe exterior surface 22. Also, the electrical connection establishedbetween the wall box 20 and meter assembly 24 causes power to the userpower system to be disrupted when the meter assembly 24 is removed fromthe wall box 20.

The configurations of the wall box 20 and meter assembly 24 can vary bymanufacturer and/or utility company but, from the perspective of thepresent invention, may be considered conventional. The wall box 20 andmeter assembly 24 will not be described herein beyond what is necessaryfor a complete understanding of the construction and operation of themeter connection system 10 of the present invention.

The adapter assembly 12 comprises an adapter housing 30 (FIG. 2).Illustrated by broken lines in FIG. 1 is an optional adapter cable 32that will be described in further detail below. The adapter assembly 12further comprises a plurality of adapter contacts 34; example adaptercontacts 34 a and 34 b are shown by broken lines in FIG. 5. A lockprojection 36 is formed on the adapter housing 30.

As further shown by broken lines in FIG. 5, the adapter housing 30further comprises adapter electronics 38 operatively connected to theadapter contacts 34 a and 34 b and to the adapter cable 32. As will bedescribed in further detail below, the adapter electronics 38 can takenmany different forms, and the present invention is not limited to anyparticular form of adapter electronics. In general, as will be describedbelow, the adapter electronics 38 condition or regulate the utility orprimary power signal, form part of an uninterruptible power supply, orin some way generate a modified signal based on the utility or primarypower signal.

The collar assembly 14 comprises a collar housing 40 defining a mainopening 42 and an adapter opening 44. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, thecollar assembly 14 further comprises a plurality of main terminals 50and a plurality of secondary terminals 52.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate that the example collar assembly 14 comprisesfive main terminals 50 a, 50 b, 50 c, 50 d, and 50 e and a pair ofsecondary terminals 52 a and 52 b. The main terminals 50 a–e may beconventional; however, the example secondary terminals 52 a and 52 b areformed integrally with the main terminals 50 a and 50 b. As analternative, the secondary terminals 52 a and 52 b may be located remotefrom, but electrically connected to, the main terminals 50 a and 50 b.For clarity in FIGS. 4 and 5, the terminals 50 c, 50 d, and 50 e arerepresented by terminal mounts into which terminal assemblies areinserted.

FIG. 3 shows that the collar assembly 14 further comprises a pluralityof collar prongs 54. The collar prongs 54 are sized, dimensioned, andlocated to mate with box terminals 56 within the wall box 20. Similarmeter prongs 58 are formed on the meter assembly 24 to engage two ormore of the main terminals 50 of the collar assembly 14. The meterprongs 58, the main terminals 50, the collar prongs 54, and the boxterminals 56 are or may be conventional and will not be described hereinbeyond what is necessary for a complete understanding of the presentinvention.

The meter prongs 58 are sized, dimensioned, and located to mate with thebox terminals 56 within the wall box 20. Accordingly, the meter assembly24 may be directly connected to the wall box 20. However, as shown inFIG. 3, the collar assembly 14 is placed between the meter assembly 24and the wall box 20 when the meter connection system 10 is used. From anelectrical perspective, the collar assembly 14 passes power between thewall box 20 and the meter assembly 24. In addition, as will be describedin further detail below, the collar assembly 14 allows components withinthe adapter assembly 12 to access the power on the utility side and/orthe user side of the meter assembly 24.

In use, the collar assembly 14 is connected to the wall box 20 such thatthe box terminals 56 receive the collar prongs 54. The meter assembly 24is then connected to the collar assembly 14 such that the main terminals50 receive the meter prongs 58. At this point, power may flow normallyfrom the utility side to the user side, and the meter assembly 24 willfunction normally to measure power consumption by the user. Optionally,the lock ring 16 is then used to lock the meter assembly 24 onto thecollar assembly 14.

The adapter assembly 12 may at this point be inserted through theadapter opening 44 in the collar housing 40 (FIG. 5) such that the firstand second secondary terminals 52 a and 52 b engage the adapter contacts34 in an engaged position (FIG. 4). As will be described in furtherdetail below, at this point power may flow to loads within the adapterhousing 30 or, through the adapter cable 32, to loads located remotefrom the meter connection system 10. Removal of the adapter assembly 12does not necessarily disrupt power to the user side of the meterassembly 24.

As is clearly depicted in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the secondary contacts 52 aand 52 b oppose each other, and the adapter contacts 34 a and 34 b faceoutwardly towards the secondary contacts 52 a and 52 b, respectively.The secondary contacts 52 a and 52 b are spring-loaded to apply abiasing force against the adapter contacts 34 a and 34 b. When theadapter housing 30 moves between the secondary contacts 52 a and 52 b,the biasing forces applied by the secondary contacts 52 a and 52 b onthe adapter contacts 34 a and 34 b pinch the adapter housing 30. Thecollar assembly 14 thus secures the adapter assembly 12 in the engagedposition shown in FIG. 4.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 8, depicted therein is an optional accessplate 60 adapted to cover an access opening 62 in a rear wall 64 of theadapter housing 30. When the access plate 60 is removed, an adapterchamber 66 defined by the adapter housing 30 may be accessed through theaccess opening 62. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, when the collarassembly 14 is connected to the wall box 20 and the adapter assembly 12is connected to the collar assembly 14, the adapter housing rear wall 64is closely adjacent to a front wall 68 of the wall box 20. The closeproximity of the housing rear wall 64 to the wall box front wall 68limits access to the access plate 60.

FIG. 8 illustrates that, in addition to the lock projection 36, anoptional stop projection 70 may be formed on the rear wall 64 of theadapter housing 30. The stop projection 70 is located such that the stopprojection 70 engages an annular wall 72 of the collar housing 40 whenthe adapter assembly 12 is in the engaged position.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, depicted therein is an optional guidesystem 80 that guides the adapter assembly 12 into the engaged positionshown in FIG. 4. The example guide system 80 comprises an alignmentprojection 82 formed on a rear wall 80 of the collar housing 40. Acomplementary alignment groove 84 is formed on the adapter housing rearwall 64. Typically, the meter assembly 24 blocks the user's view of thesecondary terminals, and the guide system 80 ensures that the adaptercontacts 34 come into contact with the secondary terminals 52. The guidesystem 80 is not required to practice the present invention, and theguide system 80 may be implemented in forms other than those shown anddescribed herein.

As generally described above, the lock ring 16 is optionally used tolock the meter assembly 24 onto the collar assembly 14 to inhibitremoval of and/or tampering with the meter assembly 24. In particular, acollar flange 90 is formed on the collar housing 40, and a meter flange92 is formed on the meter assembly 24. The collar flange 90 and meterflange 92 are sized and dimensioned such that the flanges 90 and 92 abuteach other in a coupling plane when the meter assembly 24 is pluggedinto the collar assembly 14.

The lock ring 16 defines an annular outer wall 94. Extending from theouter wall 94 are first and second retaining walls 96 and 98. The outerwall 94 is sized and dimensioned such that it snugly fits around theabutting collar and meter flanges 90 and 92 with the retaining walls 96and 98 extending radially inwardly along the flanges 90 and 92.Typically, the diameter of the lock ring 16 may be changed to allow itto be placed over the flanges 90 and 92 as shown in FIG. 8.

A lock or other security device may be used to prevent or identifytampering with the lock ring 16. In addition, the lock ring 16 itselfmay be eliminated in favor of directly locking the flanges 90 and 92together.

FIG. 8 further shows that, in the example system 10, with the lock ring16 mounted on the flanges 90 and 92, the lock ring 16 also extends overthe lock projection 36. If someone attempts to remove the adapterassembly 12, the lock projection 36 will engage the lock ring 16. Thelock ring 16 thus not only limits tampering with the meter assembly 24,it also limits tampering with the adapter assembly 12. If the flanges 90and 92 are directly fastened together, a lock or tamper proof device maybe located adjacent to the adapter assembly 12 to inhibit movement ofthe adapter assembly 12 relative to the collar assembly 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 9–18, depicted therein are a number of exampleembodiments of systems using a meter connection system such as the meterconnection system 10 described herein. In all of these FIGS. 9–18, asolid black line 100 indicates an exterior wall of a building. Itemslocated to the left of the line 100 are inside the building, and itemslocated to the right of the line 100 are outside of the building.

As shown in FIG. 9, the meter connection system 10 may be used in astandalone configuration 110 without any ancillary modules connectedthereto. In the standalone configuration 110, the adapter cable is notused. For example, the adapter electronics 38 may take the form of asurge suppressor, and the standalone configuration 110 could beconfigured such that the adapter contacts 34, terminals 50 and 52, andprongs 54 and 56 connect the surge suppressor between the utility sideand the user side of the meter assembly 24.

FIG. 10 illustrates the use of the meter connection system 10 in a basicpowering configuration 120. In the basic powering configuration 120, theadapter cable 32 is used to connect the adapter electronics 38, in theform of a power converter, within the adapter assembly 12 to a remotemodule 122. The remote module 122 contains electronics such astelecommunications equipment. The power converter in the adapterassembly 12 is adapted to be connected to the secondary terminals 52 toconvert the utility or primary power signal into a secondary powersupply signal appropriate for the powering of the electronics withinremote module 122. A power converter is or may be conventional, is notper se part of the present invention, and will not be described hereinin detail.

FIG. 11 illustrates the use of the meter connection system 10 in analternative basic powering configuration 130. The alternative basicpowering configuration 130 is the same as the basic configurationdescribed above except that the adapter cable 32 extends through thewall 100 to a remote module 132 within the building defining the wall100.

FIG. 12 illustrates the use of the meter connection system 10 in a UPSpowering configuration 140. In the UPS powering configuration 140, theadapter electronics 38 take the form of a power converter, and theadapter cable 32 connects the power converter to a UPS module 142. TheUPS module 142 contains batteries and other electronics that generate astandby or secondary power signal for use by the user power systemwithin the subscriber's residence should the utility or primary powersignal fail to meet predetermined requirements.

FIG. 13 illustrates the use of the meter connection system 10 in a firstalternative UPS powering configuration 150. In the UPS poweringconfiguration 150, the adapter cable 32 is used to connect a powerconverter (not shown) within the adapter assembly 12 to a UPS module152. The UPS module 152 contains batteries and other electronics thatallow the generation of a standby power signal for use by electronicswithin a remote module 154 should the utility or primary power signalfall outside of predetermined parameters. A secondary cable 156 connectsthe UPS module 152 and the remote module 154.

FIG. 14 illustrates the use of the meter connection system 10 in acogeneration configuration 160. In the cogeneration configuration 160,the adapter cable 32 is used to connect a cogeneration module 162 to theadapter assembly 12. One use of the cogeneration configuration 160 isfor the cogeneration module 162 to generate an alternative secondary orstandby power signal for providing power to the user power system.Another use is for the cogeneration module 162 to generate analternative secondary or standby power signal for selling power back tothe utility company through the utility power system. The adapterelectronics 38 within the adapter assembly 12 govern the powerdistribution from the cogeneration module 162 to the user power systemand/or the utility power system.

FIG. 15 illustrates the use of the meter connection system 10 in a firstalternative cogeneration configuration 170. In the cogenerationconfiguration 170, the adapter cable 32 is used to connect acogeneration module 172 to the adapter assembly 12. The adapter assembly12 contains a cogeneration meter 174 that measures the amount of powergenerated by the cogeneration module 172. The readings from the meters24 and 174 can be used to credit the user as necessary for the powercreated by the cogeneration module 172.

FIG. 16 illustrates the use of the meter connection system 10 in asecond alternative UPS powering configuration 180. In the UPS poweringconfiguration 180, the adapter electronics 38 take the form of a powerconverter, and the adapter cable 32 is used to connect the power to aUPS module 182. The UPS module 182 contains batteries and otherelectronics that allow the generation of a standby or secondary powersignal for use by remote module 184 located within building defining thewall 100. A secondary cable 186 connects the UPS module 182 and theremote module 184. The UPS module 182 generates the secondary or standbypower signal for the remote module 184 should the utility or primarypower signal fall outside of predetermined parameters. The secondalternative UPS power configuration 180 allows only selected electronicswithin the building, such as a computer system as shown in FIG. 16, tobe powered should the utility or primary power signal be inadequate.

FIG. 17 illustrates the use of the meter connection system 10 in a thirdalternative cogeneration configuration 190. In the cogenerationconfiguration 190, the adapter cable 32 is used to connect acogeneration module 192 to a UPS module 194. A secondary cable 196connects the cogeneration module 192 to the UPS module 194. The UPSmodule 192 contains batteries and other electronics that allow thegeneration of a standby or secondary power signal for use when theutility or primary power signal generated by the cogeneration modulefalls outside predetermined parameters.

FIG. 18 illustrates that the meter connection system 10 may be used in asecond standalone configuration 210 without any ancillary modulesdirectly connected thereto. In the standalone configuration 210, theadapter electronics 38 take the form of a transmitter system and theadapter cable is not used. The transmitter system forms a wirelessconnection with a remote module 212. Data generated by the meterassembly 24 may thus be transmitted to remote module 212.

In addition, the adapter electronics 38 may form a transceiver, and datamay also be transmitted from the remote module 212 to the meter assembly24. The remote module 212 may fixed relative to the wall box 20 or maybe a portable device, such as a wireless computing device adapted to becarried by a meter reader, capable of downloading, storing, and/orretransmitting meter data transmitted from the meter assembly 24.

FIG. 19 illustrates the use of the meter connection system 10 in anotheralternative powering configuration 220. In the powering configuration220, the adapter electronics 38 take the form of a power converter, andthe adapter cable 32 is used to connect the power converter to a remotemodule 222. The remote module 122 contains telecommunications equipment.The power converter in the adapter assembly 12 is adapted to beconnected to the secondary terminals 52 to convert the utility orprimary power signal into a secondary or standby power supply signalappropriate for the powering the telecommunications equipment withinremote module 122. In addition, a second cable 224 carries data from themeter assembly 24 to the telecommunications equipment within the remotemodule 222. This data can be carried by the communications system to anappropriate location such as the billing unit of a utility company.

Referring now to FIGS. 20–27, depicted therein is yet another example ofa meter connection system 310 constructed in accordance with, andembodying, the principles of the present invention. The meter connectionsystem 310 comprises an adapter assembly 312, a collar assembly 314, andan optional lock ring 316.

The meter connection system 310 is of particular significance when usedwith a wall box 320 secured to an exterior surface of a building servedby a utility company.

The adapter assembly 312 comprises an adapter housing 330. The adapterassembly 312 further comprises a plurality of contacts 334. A lockprojection 336 is formed on the adapter housing 330. Adapter electronics338 (FIG. 21) are arranged within the adapter housing 330. Like theadapter electronics 38 discussed above, the adapter electronics 338 maytake different forms depending on the environment in which theconnection system 310 is to be used.

The collar assembly 314 comprises a collar housing 340 defining a mainopening 342 and an adapter opening 344. The collar assembly 314 furthercomprises a plurality of main terminals 350 and a plurality of secondaryterminals 352. For clarity in FIGS. 20 and 25, certain of the terminals350 are represented by terminal mounts into which the terminals areinserted.

In use, the collar assembly 314 is mechanically and electricallyconnected to the wall box 320 as generally described above. The meterassembly 324 is then mechanically and electrically connected to thecollar assembly 314. At this point, a utility or primary power signalmay flow normally from the utility side to the user side, and the meterassembly (not shown) will function normally to measure power consumptionby the user. Optionally, the lock ring 316 is used to lock the meterassembly onto the collar assembly 314.

The adapter assembly 312 may then be inserted into the collar housing340. At this point the utility or primary power signal may flow to loadswithin the adapter housing 330 or to loads located remote from the meterconnection system 310. Removal of the adapter assembly 312 does notnecessarily disrupt power to the user side of the meter assembly.

As shown in FIG. 20, an optional access plate 360 is adapted to cover anaccess opening in a front wall 364 of the adapter housing 330. When theaccess plate 360 is removed, an adapter chamber defined by the adapterhousing 330 may be accessed. Tamper resistant screws 368 are used limitaccess to the adapter chamber.

FIGS. 22, 23, and 24 depict an optional guide system 380 that guides theadapter assembly 312 into the engaged position shown in FIGS. 20, 26,and 27. The example guide system 380 comprises a pair of alignmentprojections 382 formed on the adapter housing 330. Complementaryalignment recesses 384 are formed on a boss 386 within the collarhousing 340. The projections 382 engage the recesses 384 to guide theadapter assembly 312 into the engaged position.

A lock or other security device may be used to prevent or identifytampering with the lock ring 316. In addition, the lock ring 316 itselfmay be eliminated as described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 28–33, depicted therein is yet another example ofa meter connection system 410 constructed in accordance with, andembodying, the principles of the present invention. As perhaps bestshown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the meter connection system 410 comprises anadapter assembly 412, a collar assembly 414, and an optional lock ring416.

As with the systems 10 and 310 described above, the meter connectionsystem 410 is of particular significance when used with a wall box (notshown) secured to an exterior surface of a building served by a utilitycompany. In addition, the meter connection system 410 is also intendedfor use with a meter assembly (not shown) such as the meter assembly 24described above.

The adapter assembly 412 comprises an adapter housing 430. Adapterelectronics 432 are arranged within the adapter housing 430. Like theadapter electronics 38 discussed above, the adapter electronics 432 maytake different forms depending on the environment in which theconnection system 410 is to be used. The adapter assembly 412 furthercomprises a plurality of contacts 434, a lock projection 436 formed onthe adapter housing 430, and a lock opening 438.

The collar assembly 414 comprises a collar housing 440 defining a mainopening 442, an adapter opening 444, and a plurality of terminal mounts446 a–f. As shown in FIG. 33A, the example collar assembly 414 isconfigured to support a plurality of main terminals 450 a, 450 b, 450 e,and 450 f and a plurality of secondary terminals 452 a and 452 b. Themain terminals 450 a, 450 b, 450 e, and 450 f are supported atpredetermined locations by terminal mounts 446 a, 446 b, 446 e, and 446f, respectively. Only the terminal mounts 446 are depicted in FIGS. 28and 30–32. The secondary terminals 452 a and 452 b may be supportedanywhere within the housing 440, but are supported adjacent to theterminal mounts 446 a and 446 b in the example collar assembly 414.

In use, the collar assembly 414 is mechanically and electricallyconnected to a wall box as generally described above. The meter assemblyis then mechanically and electrically connected to the collar assembly414. At this point, a utility or primary power signal may flow normallyfrom the utility side to the user side, and the meter assembly (notshown) will function normally to measure power consumption by the user.Optionally, the lock ring 416 is used to lock the meter assembly ontothe collar assembly 414.

If used, the adapter assembly 412 is inserted into the collar housing440 through the adapter opening 444. At this point the utility orprimary power signal may flow to loads within the adapter housing 430 orto loads located remote from the meter connection system 410. Removal ofthe adapter assembly 412 does not necessarily disrupt power to the userside of the meter assembly.

In the example system 410, the lock ring 416 does not adequately engagethe lock projection 436 to prevent removal of the adapter housing 430through the adapter opening 444 (FIG. 29). The lock opening 438 isformed adjacent to or on the lock projection 436 and is thus alsoadjacent to the lock ring 416. Accordingly, to inhibit tampering withthe adapter assembly 412, an optional tamper seal assembly 460 may beprovided.

The tamper seal assembly 460 comprises an elongate portion 462 and aseal portion 464. The example elongate portion 462 takes the form of ametal or plastic wire that extends through the lock opening 438 and thelock ring 416. The seal portion 464 engages the ends of the elongateportion 462 to prevent removal of the elongate portion 462 from the lockopening 438 and lock ring 416.

Tamper seal assemblies such as the example assembly 460 areconventionally used by utilities to detect tampering. Typically, theseal portion 464 may be formed only by the utility company; while adetermined person can remove the seal assembly 46 and tamper with thesystem protected thereby, the utility company is able to detect suchtampering and take any necessary remedial action.

Turning now to FIG. 30, the collar housing 440 is depicted therein infurther detail. The collar housing 440 comprises an annular wall 470 anda rear wall 472. As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 30 and 32, the terminalmounts 446 are projections that extend from the rear wall 472. Theprojections each comprise a base portion 474 through which a terminalopening 476 extends. Extending from each of the base portions 474 is awall structure 476. The wall structures 476 are configured to guide themeter prongs towards the appropriate one of the terminals 450 and keepthe meter prongs away from inappropriate terminals 450.

Turning now to FIGS. 31 and 32, the construction of the examplesecondary terminals 452 will now be described in further detail. Theexample secondary terminals 452 a and 452 b are mirror images of eachother, and only the secondary terminal 452 b will be described indetail.

As shown in FIG. 31, the secondary terminals 452 comprise a mountingplate 480 and a contact plate 482. The mounting plate 480 is secured tothe rear wall 472 of the collar housing 440 by a screw 484. The contactplate 482 comprises a proximal portion 482 a, an intermediate portion482 b, and a distal portion 482 c. The proximal portion 482 a isconnected to the mounting plate 480. The intermediate portion 482 bextends from the proximal portion 482 a at a first juncture 482 d, whilethe distal portion 482 c extends from the intermediate portion 482 b ata second juncture 482 e. The secondary terminals 452 are made of aconductive, resilient material such as metal.

In use, the adapter contacts 434 are displaced towards the secondaryterminals 452 such that the one of the adapter contacts 434 engage theintermediate portions 482 b of the secondary terminals 452. Furtherdisplacement of the adapter contacts 434 causes the contact plate 482 tobend or deform at the first juncture 482 d, which allows the contact 434to slide against the second juncture 482 e. The resiliency of thecontact plate 482 establishes a spring-like biasing force. Because theterminals 452 a and 452 b are arranged opposite each other, the biasingforces associated therewith hold the second junctures 482 e againsttheir respective adapter contacts 434. Electrical contact is thus formedand maintained between the contact plates 482 and the adapter contacts434.

The example secondary terminals 452 are insulated from the primaryterminals 450 in the example system 410. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS.33, to allow the power flowing through the collar assembly 414 to beapplied to the secondary terminals 452, the collar assembly 414 furthercomprises at least one, and preferably two, wire assemblies 490.

More specifically, FIG. 33A illustrates a pair of wire assemblies 490 aof a first type comprising first and second wire segments 492 a and 492b connected to a fuse assembly 494. The first wire segments 492 a areconnected to the secondary contacts 452 a and 452 b, while the secondwire segments 492 b are connected to the primary contacts 450 a and 450b. Within predefined parameters, a short circuit electrical connectionis formed between the primary contacts 450 and the secondary contacts452, respectively. Outside of predefined parameters, such as anover-current situation, a fuse 496 within the fuse assembly 494 blows,thereby disconnecting the secondary contact 452 associated with theblown fuse from the primary contact 450 associated therewith.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 33B, the wire assemblies 490 a of thefirst type may be connected between the secondary contacts 452 a and 452b and the primary contacts 450 e and 450 f, respectively. The use of thewire assemblies thus allows the installer to select whether thesecondary contacts 452 are connected before or after the meter assembly.The power consumed by the adapter electronics 432 thus can be paid forby the utility or charged to the consumer.

Referring now to FIG. 33C, depicted therein is a wire assembly 90 b of asecond type. The wire assembly 90 b does not contain a fuse assembly,but instead simply comprises a wire segment 492 that forms a shortcircuit electrical connection between the secondary contacts 452 and theprimary contacts 450.

Given the foregoing, one of ordinary skill in the art will understandthat the present invention may be embodied in forms other than thosedescribed above.

1. A connection system for allowing access to a primary power signalflowing through a utility meter having a wall box defining box terminalsand a meter assembly defining meter prongs adapted to engage the boxterminals, the connection system comprising: a collar assemblycomprising a collar housing adapted to engage the wall box and the meterassembly, where the collar housing defines an adapter opening; aplurality of main terminals supported by the collar housing such some ofthe main terminals engage the box terminals and some of the mainterminals engage the meter prongs to allow the primary power signal toflow between the box terminals and the meter prongs, and a plurality ofsecondary terminals supported by the collar housing, where the secondaryterminals are each electrically connected to at least one of the mainterminals such that the primary power signal is present at the secondaryterminals; an adapter assembly comprising an adapter housing sized anddimensioned to be arranged in an engaged position relative to the collarhousing, a plurality of adapter contacts, where the adapter contactsengage the secondary contacts when the adapter housing is in the engagedposition; adapter electronics contained within the adapter housing,where the adapter electronics are electrically connected to the adaptercontacts; and a guide system for guiding the adapter assembly throughthe adapter opening and into the engaged position.
 2. A connectionsystem as recited in claim 1, in which the guide system comprises: atleast one first alignment surface formed on one of the collar housingand the adapter housing; at least one second alignment surface formed onanother of the collar housing and the adapter housing; whereby the atleast one first alignment surface engages the at least one secondalignment surface to guide the adapter assembly through the adapteropening and into the engaged position.
 3. A connection system as recitedin claim 1, in which the guide system comprises: at least one alignmentprojection formed on one of the collar housing and the adapter housing;at least one alignment recess formed on anther of the collar housing andthe adapter housing; whereby the at least one alignment projectionengages the at least one alignment recess to guide the adapter assemblythrough the adapter opening and into the engaged position.
 4. Aconnection system as recited in claim 1, further comprising means forinhibiting unauthorized removal of the adapter assembly from the engagedposition.
 5. A connection system as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising a lock ring for locking the meter assembly onto the collarassembly to inhibit tampering with the meter assembly.
 6. A connectionsystem as recited in claim 4, in which a lock projection extends fromthe adapter housing, where the lock projection engages the lock ring toinhibit tampering with the adapter housing.
 7. A connection system asrecited in claim 6, in which the guide system comprises an alignmentprojection formed on one of the collar housing and the adapter housingand an alignment groove formed on the other of the collar housing andthe adapter housing.
 8. A connection system as recited in claim 1,further comprising an adapter cable electrically connected between theadapter electronics and a remote module.
 9. A connection system asrecited in claim 1, in which the adapter electronics generates amodified signal based on the primary power signal.
 10. A connectionsystem as recited in claim 9, in which: the primary power signal is analternating current signal; and the modified signal is a direct currentsignal.
 11. A connection systems as recited in claim 9, in which themodified signal is an uninterrupted power signal.
 12. A connectionsystem as recited in claim 1, in which the adapter electronics alter theflow of the primary power signal between the box terminals and the meterprongs when the primary power signal is not within predeterminedparameters.
 13. A connection system as recited in claim 12, in which theadapter electronics take the form of a surge protector.
 14. A connectionsystem as recited in claim 1, in which an access opening is formed inthe adapter housing, where access to the access opening is obstructed bythe wall box when the adapter housing is in the engaged position.
 15. Aconnection system as recited in claim 14, in which the adapter assemblyfurther comprises: a cover member for covering the access opening; andat least one screw for securing the cover member to the adapter housing,where the at least one screw is substantially inaccessible when theadapter housing is in the engaged position.
 16. A connection system forallowing access to a primary power signal flowing through a utilitymeter having a wall box defining box terminals and a meter assemblydefining meter prongs adapted to engage the box terminals, theconnection system comprising: a collar assembly comprising a collarhousing defining an adapter opening, where the collar housing is adaptedto engage the wall box and the meter assembly, a plurality of mainterminals supported by the collar housing such some of the mainterminals engage the box terminals and some of the main terminals engagethe meter prongs to allow the primary power signal to flow between thebox terminals and the meter prongs, and a plurality of secondaryterminals supported by the collar housing, where each secondary terminalcomprises a distal portion, the secondary terminals are arranged inpairs such that distal portions thereof oppose each other, and thesecondary terminals are deformable such that the distal portions maymove away from each other; an adapter assembly comprising an adapterhousing sized and dimensioned to be inserted at least partially throughthe adapter opening into an engaged position relative to the collarhousing, a plurality of adapter contacts, where, when the adapterhousing is in the engaged position, the adapter contacts engage thedistal portions of the secondary contacts to deform the secondaryterminals; and adapter electronics contained within the adapter housing,where the adapter electronics are electrically connected to the adaptercontacts.
 17. A connection system as recited in claim 16, furthercomprising means for inhibiting unauthorized removal of the adapterassembly from the engaged position.
 18. A connection system as recitedin claim 16, further comprising a guide system for guiding the adapterhousing into the engaged position.
 19. A connection system as recited inclaim 16, further comprising an adapter cable electrically connectedbetween the adapter electronics and a remote module.
 20. A connectionsystem as recited in claim 16, in which the adapter electronics maintainthe primary power signal within predetermined parameters.
 21. Aconnection system as recited in claim 16, in which the adapterelectronics generate a secondary signal based on the primary powersignal, where the connection system further comprises an adapter cablefor transmitting the secondary signal to a remote module.
 22. Aconnection system as recited in claim 21, in which the remote module islocated outside of a subscriber's residence.
 23. A connection system asrecited in claim 21, in which the remote module is located within asubscriber's residence.
 24. A connection system as recited in claim 16,in which the adapter electronics generate a secondary power signal basedon the primary power signal.
 25. A connection system as recited in claim24, in which the secondary power signal is applied to an uninterruptiblepower supply module.
 26. A connection system as recited in claim 16, inwhich the adapter electronics allow a cogeneration module to connect toprimary power lines.
 27. A connection system as recited in 26, furthercomprising a second meter assembly for measuring power generated by thecogeneration power system.
 28. A connection system as recited in claim16, in which the adapter electronics generate a secondary signal basedon the primary power signal, where the secondary signal is transmittedto a remote module using a wireless transmission system.
 29. Aconnection system as recited in claim 16, in which each of the secondaryterminals further comprises: a proximal portion connected to the collarhousing; and an intermediate portion that extends between the proximalportion and the distal portion.
 30. A connection system as recited inclaim 16, further comprising at least one conductor segment operativelyconnected between each of the secondary terminals and one of the primaryterminals.
 31. A connection system as recited in claim 16, furthercomprising: first and second conductor segments operatively connectedbetween each of the secondary terminals and one of the primary terminalsassociated therewith; and at least one fuse operatively connected to thefirst and second conductor segments to disconnect the secondaryterminals and the primary terminal associated therewith when a signalflowing through the first and second conductor segments is outside of apredefined range of parameters.